Zinedine Zidane has told Marco Asensio that he is “fundamental” to his Real Madrid plans.
Zidane sought Asensio out as one of his first tasks upon his return to the Bernabeu as manager.
Asensio broke through into the first team and established himself as a key player under the Frenchman, but saw his stock diminish under both Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari.
The forward started just 15 of a possible 36 La Liga and Champions League games under the pair, playing the full 90 minutes in Zidane’s first game back – a 2-0 win over Celta Vigo.
And the manager says he has already told the reported Liverpool target that he is central to his plans.
“I have spoken to him and told him that he will be fundamental to the team,” he told Marca. “And I want him here with us.”
Asensio outlined his hopes to remain in Spain back in August, but had begun to reconsider his future until Zidane’s return.